Fraksjonen

Fraksjonen is a Norwegian term used to describe a sub-group within a larger organization that shares a specific political or ideological stance and seeks to influence decisions. In everyday usage it often refers to a party’s parliamentary group or caucus in legislative bodies, but it can also denote a splinter group within a movement or party.

Etymology and usage: The word derives from Latin fractio meaning a breaking or portion, and has cognates in many languages, including Norwegian fraksjon as the term for the faction within a larger entity. In political contexts, fraksjonen denotes the organized group of members who coordinate strategy, voting, and policy priorities.

In politics, a fraksjon coordinates voting, leadership, and policy strategy among its members and may hold internal leadership positions. It can be formalized with rules and disciplinary mechanisms, but can also be loosely organized. The size and unity of a fraksjon influence a party’s leverage in committees, budget negotiations, and the passage of legislation, and internal disagreements can lead to shifts in policy or leadership.

Beyond politics, the concept applies to any sub-group within a larger organization—such as religious, labor, or social movements—that aligns on a particular set of views and works to advance them within the broader entity.

See also: faction, caucus, splinter group.